Abigail Crowell ’25, Tara Cook ’26, Sunny Jeon ’25 and Gina Robertiello, clinical assistant professor of nursing were among this year's honorees.

The DAISY Award — an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System — recognizes nurses, students and educators who exemplify extraordinary clinical skill and care, often nominated by patients, peers or families.

Cook, a junior in the School of Nursing, was drawn to the field after her father, a chiropractor, was diagnosed with cancer in 2018. She witnessed firsthand the impact nurses had on his care and his outlook.

“My dad would talk to his nurses about my interest in medicine,” said Cook. “Seeing the care he received helped confirm that nursing was the right path for me.”

While at Quinnipiac, Cook’s pediatric clinical rotation proved to be a defining moment.

“I connected with a young student who, like me, has type 1 diabetes,” Cook said. “I was able to offer him reassurance and support, and make the nurse’s office a safe space for him and that experience reinforced why I chose this career.”

Crowell, who graduated in May, began her journey in medicine as an EMT during high school.

“I fell in love with patient care and the relationships that nurses build,” Crowell said.

Through leadership roles in Quinnipiac EMS and work in the nursing simulation lab, Crowell developed both her clinical skills and leadership abilities. A moment that particularly shaped her came while working as a patient care associate.

“I sat quietly with the family of a patient who had passed away. Even without saying much, they thanked me for simply being there. It showed me how powerful presence alone can be,” said Crowell.

After graduation, Cook hopes to gain experience in several nursing specialties, including trauma, pediatrics and the operating room before eventually pursuing a nurse practitioner degree. Crowell will join the emergency department at Hartford HealthCare's St. Vincent’s Medical Center as a registered nurse.

Both said that the DAISY Award has strengthened their confidence and sense of purpose.

“This award helped me realize the impact I can have — not just on patients, but on my peers as well,” said Crowell. “It motivates me to continue mentoring and practicing with compassion.”

“I’ve grown so much. Last semester, I focused more on tasks. This semester, I focused on listening and that made all the difference," Cook said.

The values of the DAISY Award — compassion, empathy and holistic care — align closely with Quinnipiac’s nursing philosophy, she said.

“We’re taught to treat the whole patient — mind, body and spirit,” Crowell said. “This recognition validates that approach.”

Both students emphasized the importance of presence, listening and empathy as cornerstones of quality care.

“My advice to other nursing students is simple: Be present,” said Cook. “Ask how your patients are doing. Let them talk. Sometimes, just listening can completely shift a patient’s experience."

When Cook learned she had received the DAISY award, she was stunned.

“My professor, Diane Sullivan, called my name and I was speechless. Having my mom and sister there made it even more meaningful,” said Cook.

Crowell, too, was deeply moved.

“The kind words shared about me brought me to tears,” she said. “I was incredibly honored just to be nominated.”

Both Crowell and Cook plan to carry forward the DAISY principles throughout their careers and to uplift those around them in the process.